RELIEF was the buzz word at schools in Biggin Hill and Sundridge.

Terrified-looking youngsters from Combe Bank and Charles Darwin made their way to school on Tuesday to collect results after tense summer holidays.

But it was smiles all round following news that Combe Bank girls had received the school's highest results in five years.

Twins Chloe and Emma O'Connor, 16, of Croydon Road, Bromley admitted to feeling "very nervous" on arrival.

But nerves soon turned to excitement on discovering they had been awarded four A*s, nine As and six Bs between them.

"I am so relieved. I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. We have been trying not to think about it though," said Emma.

Classmate Helena Kendrick, 16, of Grassy Lane, Sevenoaks, received two A*s seven As and one B, and was due to celebrate with best friend Hannah Sargeant, of Copse Avenue, West Wickham, (A* A five Bs and a C) by having lunch at Kensington Palace.

"To be honest I was a lot more nervous when I was actually doing the exams," said Helena. "There wasn't much I could do after, so I have tried not to think about it.

"We have been working really, really hard and there has been a lot of pressure. I think when I do my A levels I will try to have a bit more of a balance between work and life."

Julie Tricks, deputy head teacher at Combe Bank School, said: "We are delighted with the success of our students and congratulate them for achieving almost 80 per cent A* to B grades, which is fantastic and an improvement on our excellent results of last year."

Emotions were also running high in Biggin Hill.

Charles Darwin student Lauren Harding, 16, of New Addington, earned an A, four Bs, a C and two Ds.

She said: "I was incredibly nervous this morning. I think everyone was. I was sort of dreading it but I feel so much happier now."

Laura Allen, of Steep Heights Drive, Biggin Hill, took extra lessons after school to do an additional GCSE in German – and got an A.

Altogether she was awarded five A*s, four As and three Bs.

"I was really, really nervous before I got my results, but I got what I was hoping for so I am really happy now. I am not sure how I am going to celebrate yet – but it will be nice not to be worrying any more."